When comparing Brother CS 6000i 60-Stitch vs Brother DZ2400 185-Stitch, the Slant community recommends Brother DZ2400 185-Stitch for most people. In the question“What are the best sewing machines for beginners?”Brother DZ2400 185-Stitch is ranked 1st while Brother CS 6000i 60-Stitch is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Brother DZ2400 185-Stitch is:

The built-in handle cut out on the machine itself is better and safer than hinged handles which are prone to unfasten with prolonged carry.

Pros

Pro

A variety of 60 built-in stitches to choose from

Pro

Hard cover protects the machine from damage and moisture

The case which is made of a hard plastic material is very useful for those who travel and carry the machine around. It protects it from damage and moisture. You can also use the case as a storage compartment to keep it dust-free.

Pro

Affordable for beginners

This machine is very affordable (est: $150) and offers a 25-year warranty.

Pro

Easy to carry

It is easy to carry around because it has a built-in handle at the back of the machine. The hard case has no handle of its own but has a space where the handle on the machine fits through.

Pro

Automatic threading feature makes threading easier

The auto-threader feature helps those who have poor eyesight and shaky fingers. The machine pushes the thread right through the needle for you.

Pro

Foot pedal responds well

The pedal is not overly sensitive and responds well to pressure.

Pro

Slide switch controls speed from slow to fast for added consistency

The sewing speed is easily controlled using the slider. The speed is more consistent compared to when the foot pedal is used. For beginners and children in particular, it is best to sew on slow speed to make sure the seam and stitches are even.

Pro

Start and stop button for easier on-and-offs

The option to stop and start using the button instead of the foot pedal is more efficient and precise for periodic stops and starts.

Pro

Detailed instructions for easy assembly

The manual has all the information you need: from the initial set-up, to how you set up the presser feet, and how you use the auto needle threading.

Pro

Instructions on the machine for easier to follow instructions

At the top part of the machine where bobbin threading occurs are numbered illustrations that tell you exactly where to put the thread in, where to hook it, where the bobbin should be placed, etc. The illustrations tell you what to do and where to do it, making it easier to follow instead of having to refer to the manual.

Pro

Package includes all accessories you need for basic – advanced sewing

The machine comes with 9 presser feet and accessories such as the needles, bobbins, and eyelet punch.

Pro

Stitches are easy to select

You can choose from any of the 62 built-in stitches and easily select them using the buttons near the LCD. For example, if you want to stitch using Stitch #45, just press the first button 4 times (for 4) and the second button 5 times (for 5).

Pro

LCD shows error warning when incorrect presser foot is placed

This machine tells you what presser foot to use after you have chosen a stitch, and will warn you if there is an error.

Pro

One-step buttonhole feature makes buttoning a breeze

One of the many stitches this machine offers is the 7 styles of one-step auto buttonhole feature: just insert a button in the presser foot, choose from the 7 styles available, and the machine automatically buttons your clothes for you.

Pro

Built-in handle is better than a hinged handle

The built-in handle cut out on the machine itself is better and safer than hinged handles which are prone to unfasten with prolonged carry.

Pro

Wide selection of stitches

This machine boasts 185 built-in stitches.

Pro

Easy bobbin-winding because of the instructions on top of the machine

To wind a bobbin, you can pull the metal pin up at the top of the machine, put your spool of thread on it, and follow the step by step instructions located at the top of the machine for the exact path that the thread needs to follow. Because of its ease, users find it convenient to change color threads to another. Take note to always use the slow setting when winding bobbins.

Pro

Offers a choice of 8 styles of one-step auto buttonholes

Unlike a similar feature in Brother's older models, this machine's one-step buttonhole capability adjusts and fits every specific button size.

Pro

Can easily read the screen

You will be able to see your stitch elections clearly displayed on the brightly lit LCD screen.

Pro

Very easy to operate with its multiple buttons

There are multiple buttons to make controlling the machine easier. There is a button for start and stop, needle up/needle down, and a push bar or slide switch for speed control.

Pro

Wider table means larger workspace

The extended table makes the total workspace measure at 7" x 12", larger than the tables from the older Brother models. It is ideal for bigger projects like gowns, coats, or blankets.

Pro

Package comes with manuals

There are well-written manuals included in the package, both in English and Spanish.

Pro

Package includes an instructional DVD

For the visual learners, the DVD is definitely a plus. It has instructions from basic setup to video tutorials on how to maximize your machine's features.

Pro

Machine beeps in warning if there is an error

The machine beeps to warn you when there is an error (i.e. when an incorrect foot is placed, or when the foot is not down).

Pro

Has 55 alphanumeric monogramming stitches

The machine includes 55 alphanumeric stitches (letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, symbols such as & and ? and umlauted letters like Ä, Ö and Ü) for basic monogramming on clothes. Monogramming is the art of stitching letters and numbers in fabrics, mostly on linens, and towels.

Pro

The computer on the machine thinks for you and minimizes human error

After you input a stitch number, the computer on this machine shows the stitch you chose, the width and length of that stitch, and the required foot to use on the LCD. It prevents mistakes some sewers make.

Pro

Phone and online tech support available

For tech support issues with your Brother DZ2400, you can always call 1-877-BROTHER (877-276-8437) during M-F, 9:00am to 6:00pm Eastern Time or send them a message here.

Cons

Con

Small compartment can only hold a few things

The compartment underneath the machine can only hold a few tiny accessories (bobbin, eyelet punch, needle set, seam ripper, cleaning brush, screwdriver, extra spool pin) because of its small size.

Con

Screwdrivers provided don’t work

Whenever cleaning the machine, you have to take off two screws at the base. The screwdriver provided is too long and won’t fit. You would have to use coins to unscrew the tight screws.

Con

Loud high-pitched beeping sound is not suitable for those with sensitive ears

The machine beeps a high-pitched sound every time you press a button which greatly affects those with hypersensitive ears and those prone to seizures and migraines.

Con

No warning when the bobbin runs low on thread

There is no warning when the bobbin runs low on thread and there is no way to monitor it since it is underneath the sewing space. You would have to lift off your fabric to check your bobbin.

Con

Machine is over-particular in the materials used

The machine only works best with a decent thread and correctly wound bobbins.

Con

Loud rattling noise when machine is set to ‘fast’

The machine starts rattling when threading and winding bobbins on full speed and when stitching on fast mode.

Con

Machine is not meant for heavy materials

This can only be used for sewing light-medium fabrics. Expect jams and needle breaks when sewing heavy fabrics, or quilting.

Con

Short arms which are not suitable for pant- sewing

It is difficult to stitch jeans because of the short and wide arm. Its size will not allow most pant sizes, especially skinny jeans and straight cuts.

Con

Too light, making the machine slide when it is in use

Because of its light weight material and the vibration the machine produces when it is in use, the machine does not stay put no matter what surface you place it on.

Con

Regular machine-cleaning will eat up your time

This machine needs to be tediously cleaned after only 5 bobbins, taking up precious time of those rushing on projects.

Con

Plastic bobbins are light and break easily

The bobbins which are made of plastic do not wind properly and easily tangle, making the stitches skip and bunch. It is better to use metal, heavier bobbins to avoid breaking.

Con

Table legs are uneven and wobbly

Most CS600is released on the market have uneven table legs. Only one leg touches the surface making the extension wobble when sewing.

Con

Dim lighting makes it hard to see

The light on the machine is weak and is focused on a very small area making it difficult to thread a needle and follow through sewing on dark fabrics.

Con

Expect difficulties when quilting

There is little space under the arm for fabric so expect difficulties when quilting and sewing wide fabrics.

Con

Machine runs on 120V AC only

This machine is built to only use 120V AC which means it cannot run in most countries. It cannot be supported or used with a voltage adapter.

Con

Prone to breakage because of the soft plastic material used

The machine and its components are made out of soft flexible plastic, which is more prone to breakage compared to metal.

Con

Thread holder is fragile

This machine's thread holder found at the top is extremely fragile and is prone to breakage. You will have to be extra careful when handling the thread spool.

Con

Monogramming font is small

The alphanumeric monogramming fonts are set to one size only: 1/4".

Con

Machine does not come with a hard case

This machine has no cover or hard case and has no protection against damage and dust during storage. You will have to buy a separate hard case (preferably the Brother 5300 Universal Sewing Machine Carrying Case which is a perfect fit).

Con

Lighting on the sewing area is dim

The lighting on the sewing area is brighter compared to Brother's older models, but is still dim. You will need extra lighting especially when stitching darker fabrics.

Con

Accessory bag is small

The accessory bag provided is small and will not fit your sewing accessories. An accessory tray would have been more organized.